Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches are a flavorful and hearty meal that brings the iconic Philly cheesesteak flavors to tender, shredded chicken. Cooked low and slow with bell peppers, onions, and melted cheese, this dish is perfect for a hands-off dinner or game-day feast. Served on toasted hoagie rolls, these sandwiches are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: Let the slow cooker do all the work.
- Flavorful and Tender: Juicy chicken infused with peppers, onions, and spices.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Customizable: Adapt with your favorite cheese and toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Green bell peppers, sliced
- Red bell peppers, sliced
- Yellow onion, sliced
- Chicken broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Provolone or mozzarella cheese slices
- Hoagie rolls or sandwich buns
- Optional toppings: mayonnaise, mustard, or sautéed mushrooms
Directions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onions and bell peppers in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Place them on top of the vegetables.
- Add Liquids: Pour chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the vegetables and juices.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Toast the hoagie rolls if desired. Layer shredded chicken and vegetables onto each roll. Top with a slice of cheese and broil in the oven for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese melts.
- Serve and Enjoy: Add optional toppings and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 6-8 sandwiches
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Options: Swap Provolone for cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese for different flavors.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the chicken and veggies over lettuce wraps or cauliflower rice.
- Mushroom Addition: Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for extra umami flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and vegetables in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and may add even more flavor.
2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Simply skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
3. What’s the best way to toast the hoagie rolls?
Brush them with butter and toast in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes or until golden.
4. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low heat. Ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C) internally.
5. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, sliced mushrooms, banana peppers, or zucchini make excellent additions.
6. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Use enough broth to keep the chicken moist, and don’t overcook.
7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, cook and shred the chicken in advance, then reheat before serving.
8. What’s the best cheese for an authentic Philly taste?
Provolone or American cheese are traditional choices for Philly-style sandwiches.
9. Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, then shred the chicken and mix with the juices.
10. What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve with potato chips, coleslaw, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches are a delicious, hands-off way to enjoy the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with a lighter twist. Packed with tender chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, and melty cheese, these sandwiches are perfect for any occasion. Whip up a batch today and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6-7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Dinner, Sandwiches
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Slow Cooker Chicken Philly Sandwiches are packed with tender, juicy chicken, sautéed peppers, onions, and melted cheese, all served on a soft hoagie roll. A fuss-free meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz or 28 g) Italian seasoning mix (or 1 tbsp homemade blend)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 6 hoagie rolls or sub rolls
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the sliced peppers, onions, and minced garlic on top.
- Add the Broth:
- Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients to keep everything moist and flavorful.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix with the peppers and onions.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Preheat the broiler on your oven. Split the hoagie rolls and fill each with a generous portion of the chicken mixture.
- Top with a slice (or two) of provolone cheese. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Serve the sandwiches hot, with optional toppings like mayonnaise, mustard, or hot sauce if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add mushrooms to the slow cooker with the peppers and onions.
- Substitute provolone cheese with mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack for variety.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.